Whether it be for gold, silver or bronze, French supporters for this summer’s games gather en masse at the French team clubhouse

THIS summer, 332 athletes comprise the French team in comparison to 323 in 2008 – that’s a lot of athletes we support! So the CNOSF, or the Comité National Olympique et Sportif Français, decided to set up the Club France this year at Old Billingsgate.

The mission is not only to honour the athletes proudly representing their country, but also to create a space where the media and general public can support the French athletes all together.

Since 1896, France has won 1,435 medals through 1,067 different athletes.

Historically, France has won the most medals in fencing and cycling and so far, the French team has already won 11 medals, four of which are gold.

The Clubhouse’s ground floor, which is open to the public, has cycling and rowing simulators as well as a full on running track that goes across the room.

There is also an area especially reserved for the nightly parties (lead by a French DJ no less!) to celebrate daily medal wins after having shown the games live on the big screens all day.

The Clubhouse ensures that every interest group can follow the French team in a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere and have the chance of meeting the athletes they’ve been cheering on.

Says a spokesperson: “Overall, the French presence at the summer’s games is impressive and we are all very proud of them.

“So, we’ll continue rooting for them with heart and soul, and if you’d like to do the same the Clubhouse is open from 9am to 3am.”